Ben Frow Named Director of Programs for Channel 5

LONDON: Ben Frow, a former Channel 5 controller of features and entertainment, is returning to the broadcaster in the role of director of programs.

Following the departure of Jeff Ford, Frow will now lead all content and creative operations for the channel, including commissioning and acquisitions. He will report to Paul Dunthorne, the COO of Channel 5. The appointment takes effect in February 2013.

Frow has been serving as the director of programming for Ireland’s TV3 for five years, responsible for the programming, scheduling, promotions and original production for the channel and its digital partner 3e. He was with Channel 5 from 2004 to 2007 and previously spent five years at Channel 4.

Frow said: “The last five years in Ireland have been some of the most rewarding of my career, but I’m ready for a new challenge and the opportunity to re-join Channel 5 was simply too good to resist—we have unfinished business! I look forward to getting stuck in, building on the great work by Jeff Ford and the team, to create a strong schedule and some must-see, talk-about, brand-enhancing television.”

Paul Ashford, the group editorial director at Northern & Shell, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Ben back to Channel 5. He has a proven track record in the TV industry and we’re very excited to hire someone of his caliber, who knows the channel from the inside, to take on this key role. I know he’ll continue to build on our success and bring in fresh approaches and ideas.”